AZ cars are awesome

[pdw72]

Pulled the front clip from my Ranchero last week, being an AZ car surely has it's perks compared to these midwest rust buckets. Took every bolt out without breaking even though a few argued with me along the way. The only rust out on the pass inner fender was under the battery tray. I am going to sandblast the inner fenders and radiator support as well as some other brackets along the way. Didn't plan on digging into it this far yet but found it would be easier to put the engine back in without the front bumper in place followed, the picker arm just isn't long enough. The rest I felt obligated to clean up and paint.

[72Chero]

post pictures.... :D get those inner fenders powder coated.. I'm glad I did

[Daffy]

I sure as hell do not miss Ohio cars... Southern cars are great..AZ cars are the best for sure..

[pdw72]

posted a link to my current pics, not much done but disassembly.

http://photobucket.com/my72in_process

[pdw72]

Newest aquisition, '94 police car 4.6l, new drivetrain for the Ranchero.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/pdwelch/ranchero%20in%20progress/DSCN1464.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/pdwelch/ranchero%20in%20progress/DSCN1465.jpg

Floorpans on the chero need a little work.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/pdwelch/ranchero%20in%20progress/DSCN1469.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/pdwelch/ranchero%20in%20progress/DSCN1467.jpg

[72Chero]

does it have the interceptor in it?

[pdw72]

Sadly no, found out through 2 seater that the interceptor wasn't built until 1999, this is a 1994, but that was the main reason for jumping on this car when I did. Truthfully though, after driving it, I am not at all disappointed at the power this car has, not a screamer but will move out well enough for me and at $500, not a bad deal either. Really going to be a tight squeeze being 32"wide at the cam covers and the Steering box is right where the exhaust manifold exits the motor so steering will have to be modified. I have a friend that is going to help me with modifications and installation. Wouldn't want to try this with the front clip on, going to be difficult enough.

[pdw72]

Finally replaced the tie-rods on the vic and drove it a few days, sure like that drivetrain, but alas the ball joints are all stiff and the steering sticks quite a bit. Not sure if the front frame will have to be welded in the chero yet so not too interested in replacing a bunch of parts that may not be used:confused:

[Psychokiller]

Hi !
can someone tell me what´s "AZ" I dont understand it.^^:confused: :confused: :D

Thanks Mfg Psychokiller

[pdw72]

Arizona car, previous owner moved it here to Minnesota just prior to me buying it about 15yrs ago.

[Psychokiller]

Thanks for help i have udertstand it.:) The engine room, shows clean and good ^^

mfg Psychokiller

[pdw72]

Finally a little progress, hoisted the vic body from the frame yesterday, what an ordeal that was! Now need to get the Ranchero to my buddy's shop to get working on the frame splicing, should be interesting to say the least.

[tinman]

check'n in on your frame swap that you mentioned, i forget, why does the Ranchero need a frame swap, just because? resto-mod updates like the suspension & driveline, how much frame are you going to swap? how bout the rear end, what kind of link set-up does the Vic have? rear disc brakes?

the 4.6 can be updated with PI (Performace Improved) heads and intake, and will bump the compression some IIRC but do your homework. there's 2 different engine lines, Romeo and Windsor that the parts will all interchange but ya need to know what ya got. the number of valve cover bolts are different for one thing. the PI cams will come with the heads, watch the timing sprockets, they're different too. normal service includes the timing chain guides on the 4.6's so expect to do those if you go into it. and i'm pretty sure you can easily add the oil cooler, the adapter just bolts on in place of the standard oil filter adapter.

[pdw72]

Big reason for the frame swap is the steering gear is right where the driver side manifold dumps, gear on the vic is in front of the crossmember. Positive points are updated front brakes and suspension. I am letting my buddy do the planning and fab work, believe right behind the bulkheads under the firewall is where he is planning to cut. Will get out there this week and get the measuring done and whatnot, but he needs me to help do some work for him before we can start on the ranchero, trading labor works well.

The rearend does have disc brakes, but not planning to swap the diff, may try to adapt the discs over to the 9". I know little about the 4.6l and am going to stay stock with it for the time being, maybe a few mods in the future or even a different motor maybe in the works later on. Just want to get it running, painted and driveable hopefully before the end of summer.

[pdw72]

Progress finally, got the body of the Ranchero today after pulling out the rear quarter damage with the almighty skidloader, made lifting the body a lot easier too:D Now have the two frames sitting next to each other just thave to pull the 4.6 out of the donor, amazing the frame rails are almost identical right behind the bulkhead so that will make the job a little easier I hope. Forgot the camera at home so not able to get pics today, maybe next time.

[72Chero]

Post the pictures Paul... what is wrong with you man.... show off your stuff.

[pdw72]

The beast is about 30 miles north of me and I don't have a lot of time to get out to work on it, can't wait to get it home again. Another busy weekend coming up and working lots of overtime too. Starting dayshift at work on Monday, been trying for that for a few years now, should be good for more family time as well as shop time. Been trying to help my dad with the Austin too, should get some updated pics of that too. :eek:

[72Chero]

I hear that busy stuff... been doing 10 hr shifts myself... makes for a long week and the paycheck, just pay more to Uncle Sam ... vicious cycle :) I know you must miss that Chero badly

[pdw72]

Finally an update on the mod swap, the front crossmember from the vic is welded in the ranchero frame and got the front body mount/bumper section tacked in place just in time to run out of oxygen in the torch will be finishing that up this week. Been a long couple months of Saturdays but getting close to bringing it home so I can do the stuff more in my ability zone. My buddy is doing a great job with the frame work though.


Sorry, I do have pics but still can't seem to send them from my computer to photobucket.

[pdw72]

Finally got the updated pics on photobucket, check the link in my sig.
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/pdwelch/ranchero%20in%20progress/PaulsPix174.jpg
Finally bringing it back home on Sunday:D

[72Chero]

Hey Paul how are you coming along on this guy :D

[pdw72]

Not much done, too much going on all summer and now prepping for winter
(GRRR). I picked up another '72 for parts, but silly me may just slap a motor and trans in it next spring and drive it through the summer, might be a project-car for Stephen in the future(if he has any say about it).

[72Chero]

Very Cool....